Annual Report 2012-13 | Page 30

Unique Accomplishments Worldwide visitors Throughout the school year we hosted more than 200 educators, international dignitaries, politicians, and global business professionals from 45 countries to study the School’s award-winning model of adult education. Transformational Work for Years to Come This year the DC Public Charter School Board (PCSB) voted to renew the Carlos Rosario School charter for 15 more years. This application process involved various school community stakeholders and served as a comprehensive reflection of the school’s performance over the past 15 years. In a release from the PCSB Board Chair Brian W. Jones praised President and Founder Sonia Gutierrez for her dedication saying, “The work you have done in providing an education niche with this population that looks like America -- is extraordinary.” Igniting a Passion for the Kitchen In May the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) presented their fourth annual Teaching with the CIA cooking demonstration. This demonstration brought an auditorium of more than 150 culinary arts students and community members up-close-and-personal with industry leaders eager to share their knowledge of the kitchen inspiring students to dream big about the culinary arts field. Building a Solid Foundation This year 68 students completed the Plaza Comunitaria Carlos Rosario Program. A new record! This program in partnership with the Mexican Embassy allows Spanish speaking students to earn elementary and middle school certifications that serve as a springboard for advancing into high school level content. Introducing the Sonia Gutierrez Campus In fall 2013 we will open the doors on the new Sonia Gutierrez Campus in northeast Washington, DC, which will allow the School to expand workforce development and language literacy programs. This campus will target the needs of high-growth industries in the District such as culinary arts, information technology, healthcare, and customer service. The new campus will serve more than 500 students on any given day and will allow us to double the enrollment of the Culinary Arts program. 31